After telling my pastor that I didn’t think I had been saved, he suggested I attend a Walk to Emmaus Retreat, a weekend Christian Conference. On Saturday afternoon, October 31, 1992, the conference attendees had communion whereby we were to break bread throwing the portion representing our biggest sin into a basket while partaking in the other portion. I sauntered haughtily toward the communion table expecting nothing from the sin I would discard—pride. Upon tossing pride in the basket I became overwhelmed with love, joy and peace so intense that I sobbed with gratitude. Jesus was there: I saw him, heard his voice, felt his presence.

Do we need an epiphany to be born again? Of course not. Many have a quieter experience. A sermon, a lecture, a book, a friend’s example may turn some lives toward God. A few recall no time without God. Christianity gradually sneaks up on others. Rebirth is more than a feeling.

• First we must realize that compared to God’s holiness we have fallen short, we have sinned—pride, envy, anger, laziness, greed, piggishness, and lust—are the cardinal seven. 
• We turn away from the mess we have made of our lives. Recognizing that we have hurt others, failed ourselves, neglected God engenders deep sorrow. Repentance without sorrow is hollow. 
• We turn to God. We step off the cliff of self-sufficiency into the loving arms of Jesus. That fearful step takes faith, a belief that our lives can be more loving, joyful, and peaceful with God.